Entrants in the Classic – now in its 76th year – will be following in the fishing footsteps of the two famous Americans who were frequent visitors to the far south coast town, chasing its famous marlin.

Competitors who sign up for the tournament, which runs from January 27-29 (inclusive), will also be chasing other fish such as shark, kingfish and tuna, in the waters north or south of Bermagui, all within a grid map which will be supplied at the pre-tournament briefing.

“There’s more than $40,000 in prizes on offer,” says Scott Bradley, who as owner of Bermagui Fish and Tackle is a major sponsor of the event, as well as president of the town’s Chamber of Commerce.

“Everyone is welcome to enter, from adults to juniors (aged 11-16 years) and what we call ‘small fry’, which is kids under the age of 11. As long as you have a saltwater fishing licence and are prepared to obey the rules on bag limit and size restrictions, you can try your luck.”

The prize list is extensive with various categories in the tag and release sections as well as capture, most marlin, other game fish, junior and lady angler categories and a lucky angler prize.

The tournament is run by the Bermagui Big Game Anglers Club – the oldest game fishing club in Australia – and sanctioned by the NSW Game Fishing Association. All the relevant rules and paperwork are available on the club website (http://www.bbgac.com.au).

Entry fees are $70 per head for adults, $30 for juniors and $15 for ‘small fry’. Registration for the tournament is at the Bermagui Country Club from 4.30pm on Australia Day (Thursday, January 26) with the competitors’ briefing at 7pm. The tournament kicks off from 7am on Friday, January 27 and ends (lines up) at 3pm on Sunday, January 29.

Bermagui Harbour, which is where the competition starts, ‘starred’ in the Billy Connolly film, The Man Who Sued God.

Located on the far south coast of NSW, Bermagui is the northern most town on the Sapphire Coast, which is three hours’ drive from Canberra via Cooma or a six/seven-hour drive from either Melbourne or Sydney. There are also regular daily flights from Melbourne or Sydney via REX Airlines into Merimbula, and regular inter-city bus services.

If you’re a novice, Coastlife Adventures offers a range of tuition tours that will have you paddling like a professional in no time. Ocean Experience tours begin in the estuaries of the well-known south coast town of Merimbula or the neighbouring town of Pambula and take you to the ocean’s edge nearby. You’ll learn how to catch waves during this tour which is aimed at beginners and intermediate paddlers, with a minimum age of 12. For less confident novices or younger paddlers (5-8 years, if accompanied by adults), there’s the quieter experience of still water paddling with the River Tour. Qualified instructors will teach you the skills you need to know as you cruise the beautiful Bega River, spotting wildlife above and below the waterline.

Ocean Wilderness Sea Kayaking has recently launched several great new tours out of Bermagui, including the Bermagui Coastal Explorer, Horse Shoe Bay to Bermagui River and Wallaga Lake to Black Lagoon. These trips offer something for everyone from first-time paddlers to more experienced sea kayakers. The company also offers half-day tours out of Merimbula and day tours at Eden.

Mimosa Blue has introduced a new Marine Discovery tour, to explore the still waterways of the Mimosa Rocks National Park, between Bermagui and Tathra.You’ll spend two and a half hours learning basic kayaking skills (if you need to) and otherwise enjoying the clear waters in a glass-bottomed two-seater kayak. Limited to a group of four, it’s an ideal family excursion with the chance to spot fish, rays, sea eagles and maybe even a dolphin or seal. Mimosa Blue also offers early morning, sunset and oysters-and-wine kayak tours to sample local specialties.

Brogo Wilderness Canoes is based on the shores of the spectacular Brogo Dam, 25km northeast of Bega, and from here you can hire a canoe and explore the still waters and stunning beauty of the Brogo Wilderness and Wadbilliga National Park.

All these tours operate on the Sapphire Coast, which is located on the Far South Coast of NSW, approximately halfway between Sydney and Melbourne (six/seven hours’ drive) and about three hours’ drive from Canberra via Cooma. REX operates daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Merimbula with land connections easily arranged. There are also bus services from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

More details about the area, and accommodation bookings, are available on the Sapphire Coast Tourism website, www.sapphirecoast.com.au or call toll-free on 1800 150 457.

The Sea 2 Summit challenge covers 248 km, climbs a total of 5,500 m and traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in south-east Australia. The ride starts on the Sapphire Coast at Merimbula Beach, and ends at the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.

Cyclists who participate in Sea 2 Summit have different fitness levels and come from across the country and all walks of life. However they all share a desire to make a valuable and lasting contribution to children and young people with cancer and are committed to fundraising for Redkite.

Together, Sea 2 Summit cyclists have raised over $200,000 to ensure children and young people with cancer, and their families, can access Redkite’s vital emotional, financial and education support services.

Held on 19 November – we wish all of the cyclists the best of luck!!

The Sapphire coast is the perfect getaway for the entire family, offering a variety of activities to partake in, interesting places to visit, many delicious restaurants to choose from and a wide variety of entertainment.

 Explore our wonderful, sandy beaches, hire a boat, have a round of golf, take a look at the local speciality shops and enjoy our fresh cuisine. There’s plenty to do on the Sapphire Coast and something for every member of the family.

Over the four days the waters of Merimbula Bay become a spectacle of action and colour, where past world and Australian champions along with a band of locals enter the water and the wind to contest for $50,000 worth of prizes.

Spectators can see all the action from great locations such as Bar Beach, the Wharf and the best spot of all, Main Beach, where you can also enjoy the Merimbula Sailboard Clubs famous gourmet barbeque. The Oval at Main Beach takes on a ‘trade show’ atmosphere where many companies display their products, including equipment clothing, kites and sailboards with some great specials over the weekend.

So make a date in your diary to come on down to the Sapphire Coast and enjoy the colour, fun and all of the action of the Corona Classic Merimbula wave sailing and kite boarding event!

Mothers, calves and males pass close to the beautiful shoreline of the Sapphire Coast and can often be seen breaching and fin flapping from the shore. There are number of local operators up and down the coast that also offer Whale watching cruises so you can get up close and personal. Merimbula Marina is a larger vessel that offers a variety of cruises ranging from $40-$69 per adult with a 100% guaranteed whale sighting or a full cash refund. Freedom Charters, Eden, is a smaller vessel with only a maximum of 12 passengers. Cruises are $70 per person including morning tea. There is also Cat Balou in Eden with a price range of $50-$70 per adult, where whale sightings are also guaranteed or a return free cruise or half your money back.

Another great option is to try Whale watching from the sky with Merimbula Air Services, where all flights provide a fantastic opportunity to see Whales as they make their annual migration down the coast. When the Whales are around, Merimbula Air Service pilots go out of their way to make sure everyone on board is able to observe the Whales as they feed, play and rest. Shot flights over Merimbula Bay start at $45 per person with a minimum of 2 adult fares required, children half price and infants free.

For more information contact Sapphire Coast Tourism on 1800 150457 or www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Date      Current – 11 September

Where  Eden

Web      www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au

‘Collectoscope: Celebrating 80 years of the Killer Whale Museum’ Collectoscope draws on the diverse collection of the Eden Killer Whale Museum’s artifacts and reflects on the development of local and national culture in the distant and recent past.

Narek Gallery

Date       Current – 29 September

Where  Narek Gallery, Tanja

Web      www.narekgalleries.com

A Winter Exhibition of work by artists who exhibited this season. To be open by appointment only. Contact Karen O’Cleary on 02 6494 0112

Ivy Hill Gallery

Date      Current  – 29 September

Where  Ivy Hill Gallery, Wapengo

Web      www.ivyhill.com.au

A Winter Exhibition of work by artists who exhibited this season. To be open by appointment only. Contact Carolyn Killen on 02 6494 0152

Daniel Champayne Entertainment

Date      1 July

Where  Club Sapphire Merimbula

Web      www.clubsapphire.com.au

This incredible talent of the area has never been highlighted as much as this artist who makes a brief trip home between overseas tours to showcase his current release ‘Pint of Mystery’ supported & presented by Jonno Zilber, this show will also feature special guests who performed on the album. All tickets $15.00 at 02 6495 1306. Doors open at 8pm.

‘Busting Out’ Merimbula

Date      1 & 2 July

Where  Exhibition and Cocktail evening Thursday 1 July @ Twyford Hall

The Merimbula Special Events Committee invites you to ‘Bust Out’ the artist within. A great fundraiser to support local cancer services and the beautifying of Merimbula. Simply purchase a blank papier mache bust from Pins’n'Needle in Merimbula and decorate. The busts come in two sizes: 35cm ($20) and 45cm ($30). All busts are to be returned in time for the official opening exhibition and cocktail evening on Thursday 1 July Twyford Hall, which will cost $25 per head and include finger food and champagne. For further info contact Tara Stone on 02 6495 3646, mobile 0400 044 539 or email tara.birdinatree@gmail.com

Conquest X: The Great Southern Tour – Students of Sydney Conservatorium of Music with David Miller AM

Date      1 July

Where  Wolumla Hall 6 to 8pm

Web      www.thebegavalley.org.au/scmusicsociety.html

Come along and see the future stars of Australian Classical Music. This is the tenth Great Southern Tour that David Miller AM has conducted, so if you haven’t been to one of the previous tours, please come along and support these young musicians. Presented by Sapphire Coast Music Society. Tickets available from Booktique Merimbula, Magpie Music Bega and Eden Music Centre or at the door day of the concert. Sapphire Coast Music Society Members $18; non-members $25. Non-member pensioner & seniors $21; students (18 and under) FREE. Post concert buffet for a small extra cost. For further info please call 02 6495 9708

River Rock Café Entertainment

Date      1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July – every Friday night

Where  River Rock Café Bermagui

Great entertainment and a Mexican menu plus open mike/jam session each Friday night from 6-9pm.

Bega Valley Regional Gallery, Bega

Date      1 July – 6 August

Where  Bega

Web      www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/community/art_gallery/exhibition.htm

A group of empathetic non-indigenous artists respond to the plethora of indigenous concerns, from colonialism to reconciliation. Featuring the work of Imants Tillers, Nicola Dickson, Alex Asch, Mariana del Castillo, Danie Mellor, Simon Maberley and Geoff Farquhar-Still. Officially opened at 6pm Friday 1st July by Dr Danie Mellor. Entry free, all welcome

Trivia Night at the Eden Fishermens Club

Date      2 July

Where  Eden Fishermens Club

Web      www.edenfishermens.com.au

Saturday night trivia night with 7.30pm kick off with free entry for all. Prizes include club vouchers, free drinks, Keno vouchers and cash jackpot. A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Kameruka Bush Dance

Date      2 July

Where  Kameruka Hall

Web      www.cas.org.au

The Kameruka Hall provides a perfect backdrop for this amazing community gathering.  Live music, dance and social contact are the major ingredients of community entertainment.  The Kameruka Bush Orchestra prides itself on it’s musical content of Australian traditional dance music (amongst others) that accompany the called dances that are designed for fun rather than correctness! All this for $5!

Indoor Carpet Bowls

Date      5, 12, 19, 26 July – every Tuesday night

Where  Club Sapphire Merimbula

Web      www.clubsapphire.com.au

Trivial Thursday at the Lakeview Hotel Merimbula

Date      7, 14, 21, 28 July – every Thursday night

Where  Lakeview Hotel Merimbula

Web      www.merimbulalakeview.com.au

The Quiz kicks off at 7pm with free entry for all teams. Great prizes are up for grabs including a cash jackpot ($250 as at 30 June). Terrific food available including Trivia Night specials!

Dinner and Show – ‘Light of the Moon’ Duo

Date      8 July

Where  Cantina Restaurant, Merimbula

Three course dinner and show for $65. Listen to the sounds of Michael Johnson on harp and Evripedes Evripidou on guitar and bass. Bookings essential, phone 02 6495 1085.

Poddy Dodgers Entertainment

Date      8 July

Where  Tathra Bowlo

Web      www.tathrabeach.com

Come and enjoy a great night of entertainment by Poddy Dodgers.

Far South Coast Birdwatchers Tathra Forest Reserve and Treatment Plant Area

Date      9 July

Where  Tathra

Web      www.thebegavalley.org.au/birdwatchers.html

Join the Far South Coast Birdwatchers to discover Tathra together. Meet at 9:15 a.m. in the car park of Tathra Forest Reserve, just off Thompson Drive (not far beyond Kianinny Cabins when entering Tathra, and before the main residential area). We will explore the top easy section, NOT the gully. From here we will convoy to the Tathra Treatment Plant and another bush walk before lunch. Everyone Welcome.

DJ Matt Brown rocks the house from 8pm

Date      9 July

Where  Bermagui Country Club

Web      www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au

DJ Matt Brown is back and ready to pump out the tunes. Get your friends together and your dancing shoes on and head on down to The Bermagui Country Club for a great night out!

Dinner and Show – ‘Light of the Moon’ Duo

Date      9 July

Where  Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant

Web      www.merimbulawharf.com.au

Three course dinner and show for $55. Listen to the sounds of Michael Johnson on harp and Evripedes Evripidou on guitar and bass. The night will include music, finger food on arrival, mains, desert, tea and coffee. Drinks will be available over the bar. As this is a sit down dinner numbers are limited to the first 80 bookings. Bookings can be made directly with the restaurant on 02 6495 4446

Cobargo Bi-annual Antiques and Collectibles Weekend

Date      9 & 10 July (Sat 9-5pm; Sun 9-12noon & auction from 2pm)

Where  School of Art Hall, Bermagui Road Cobargo

Bookings  Appraisals  02 6493 6655 or auction  02 6493 6408 (Business hours)

The Cobargo Tourist and Business Association Inc. is proud to present the above event.  All funds raised are directed back into the Village. Alan Landis, nationally renowned valuer and appraiser of antiques, fine arts and Australiana, will be onhand to help you discover the value of your hidden treasures.

A very popular event not too be missed. All items are welcome to be registered. Free entry for Spectators. Bring in your items for appraisal $10 per item, three for $25. Special Features include China, Upholstery, Doll Restoration, Conservator Services – Saturday. Auction to be held from 2pm on Sunday at School of Arts Hall. All items welcome, bookings essential.

Niemeir Family Support Fund

Date      9 & 10 July

Where  Tanja Hall

Web      www.woodfiredovenworkshops.com

Proceeds for the workshop will go towards the Niemeier Family Support fund (they lost their home in a tragic house fire). Build your own wood fire oven, for those who have a passion for wood fired pizzas and bread baked in a time honoured tradition now there is an opportunity to produce wonderful food by learning how to build your own wood fired oven, at a fraction of the cost of one which is ready made or in kit form. The workshop will consist of a series of hands-on realistic activities interspersed with discussions and practical demonstrations related to wood fired oven design; construction, material selection: temperature control and measurement as well as oven operation and cooking tips.

For details visit the website or contact Alan Watt 6494 0015 woodfiredovenworkshops@bigpond.com

Mimosa Entertainment & Food

Date      10 July @ 12.30pm

Where  Mimosa Dry Stone Restaurant

Web      www.mimosawines.com.au

Mimosa Wines’ Dry Stone Restaurant is presenting an afternoon of fine music featuring Michael Johnson playing harp and Evripides Evipidou playing guitar. Drawing on influences from Ireland, Spain, South America and from world music through to jazz Michael has recently interrupted his Musician In Residence commitments at Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens to join with Evripides for a series of East Coast concerts. Inspired by having two of Australia’s finest instrumentalists playing at Mimosa our chefs  have created a unique assiette menu inviting you to sample ten degustation style dishes while enjoying ambient sounds and rhythms that will leave all listeners totally transfixed. Cost $85 p/p. Bookings essential 02 6494 0164

Far South Coast Birdwatchers Pamboola Survey

Date      13 July

Where  Pamboola, Pambula

Web      www.thebegavalley.org.au/birdwatchers.html

Join the Far South Coast Birdwatchers to survey Pamboola together. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Smiths Lookout, Bullara St, Pambula for the winter survey. Carry drink and snack. Sturdy shoes, it could be damp. Finish before lunch. 

Acoustic Circle @ Town Hall Supper Room

Date      15 July

Where  Candelo Town Hall Supper Room Acoustic Circle @ Town Hall Supper Room

Web      www.cas.org.au

7.30pm start

Peter McDowell Entertainment

Date      15 July

Where  Tathra Bowlo

Web      www.tathrabeach.com

Come and enjoy a great night of entertainment by Peter McDowell.

Bay to Bermagui Run

Date      15-17 July

Where  From Batemans Bay to Bermagui

Web      www.cvmce.org.au

The biennial Bay to Bermagui Run is on again! The Classic and Vintage Motor Club of Eurobodalla (or CVMCE for short!) invites participants with historic vehicles (over 30 years old) to join them for another memorable day taking in the NSW southern coastline - its beaches, lakes, inlets and villages from the Bay to Bermagui. This year’s run will feature a Gala Dinner on Saturday night and trophies up for grabs including People’s Choice, Best Overall Car & Bike, Best Vehicle & Crew and Furthest Distance Travelled to the Run. Static displays will be open to the public at the start of the run at the Coachhouse Marina Resort Batemans Bay and again at Bermagui – plus there are plenty of vantage points along the way!
Proceeds received will be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. All sponsorship donations over $2 will be acknowledged with a tax refundable receipt. Significant donations will be recognised in CVMCE’s Commemorative Brochure and at the gala dinner.  For further detail contact Roger Pearson, Event Co-ordinator on 02 4471 2778 or 0428 267 846.

The Wizard & Oz Entertainment

Date      16 July

Where  Club Sapphire Merimbula

Web      www.clubsapphire.com.au

The incredible Soul of Jazz & Blues brought to life by this ever popular duo. 3 hour + show in the Auditorium.  Free entry from 8pm.

Frozen Fingers 3hr Mountain Bike Enduro

Date      17 July

Where  Manna Park, Merimbula

Web      www.mountainbiking.com.au

Don’t like the snow? Looking for some fun along the coast with a hint of mountain bike racing? Brought to you by The Wilderness Coast & Snowy Mtns Bike Club Inc the crew behind the Tathra MTB Enduro, has some events that are sure to warm the cockles of your heart – the Wilderness Coast Winter Warmer MTB Series. Bring your bike and legwarmers and we’ll provide the some of the best single track and steaming HOT soup on the Far South Coast of NSW. We are not racing for Dairy Farms – but we guarantee plenty of fun, and some unique prizes. Racing categories include solos, pair and junior categories. Racing starts at 11am (to allow for some thawing!)

Monster Raffle at the Club. Over $1,400 in prizes to be won!

Date      17 July

Where  Bermagui Country Club

Web      www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au

You will not want to miss this raffle. Around 40 prizes to be won! Bring the family down for an afternoon of fun. Live entertainment raffles and a relaxed Sunday arvo out for all the family. It’s Happy Sunday as well – schooners for the price of middy’s, free pool and jukebox.

Garry Jones Entertainment

Date      22 July

Where  Tathra Bowlo

Web      www.tathrabeach.com

Come along and listen to the sounds of Garry’s lounge music. Starts from 8pm.

Mike Elrington Blues Artist

Date      22 July

Where  Club Sapphire Merimbula

Web      www.clubsapphire.com.au

South Australian solo blues artist making his Merimbula debut with a voice like Joe Cocker crossed with Eddie Vedder. Mike Elrington will capture your attention & have you waiting on every breath of his passionate performance.

Free from 7.30pm in the Rockpool Cafe. Dinner bookings advised.

Christmas in July – Live Entertainment by The Nashberries

Date      23 July

Where  Bermagui Country Club

Web      www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au

Ho Ho Ho…Santa is in Bermagui in July! Come and enjoy a 2 course Traditional Christmas dinner and great entertainment with The Nashberries. There will be lucky door prizes and other fun games throughout the night. Members $32 Non Members $40 Tickets available @ Reception 02 6494

Trivia Night at the Candelo Hotel

Date      23 July

Where  Candelo Hotel

Saturday night trivia with prizes galore including a cash jackpot. A great night in a charming village setting – cosy, friendly atmosphere in a historic pub. Come on down and have a great night out!

Far South Coast Birdwatchers Bermagui visit

Date      24 July

Where  Bermagui

Web      www.thebegavalley.org.au/birdwatchers.html

Join the Far South Coast Birdwatchers to discover Bermagui together. Meet at 9:15 a.m. in the Montreal Goldfield parking lot on Wallaga Lake Rd, 7 kms north of Bermagui. This is located adjacent to the Wallaga Lake Caravan Park on the left (inland) side of the road. The Goldfield has its own parking area but we are not going to visit there. If you see the turn-off for Camel Rock on the right (ocean side), you’ve gone about 100m too far. We will see some of the tracks around that area and we will also look at other Bermagui favourites. Bring or buy lunch in town later to eat near the water.

Live Local Accoustic (LLA)

Date      24 July

Where  Wyndham

Web      Search ‘Live Local Acoustic’ on Facebook.com

Email     grant.webster@ruralpress.com

Live Local Acoustic (LLA) is an informal gathering of aspiring amateur, semi-professional and professional musicians which occurs on the fourth Sunday of each month at The Robbie Burns Hotel following the Wyndham Markets. The beautiful natural landscape, very relaxed atmosphere and appreciative audience make it the perfect setting for aspiring musicians to gain some stage experience. And it’s quite common for professional musicians passing through the area to drop in for an impromptu set. LLA has gained a reputation for the intimate musical experience it conjures up as players and audience come together as one big happy family over the course of the afternoon. Make a day of it, on the fourth Sunday of the month.

Tracee James Entertainment

Date      29 July

Where  Eden Fishermens Club

Web      www.edenfishermens.com.au

Tracee James entertainment at the Club on Friday night.

Local Markets

Don’t forget about our markets! Enjoy local produce, gifts and wares for sale and on display at various towns throughout the region:

Saturday             2 July                      8.00-1.00pm                Eden Market

Sunday                3 July                      8.30-12.30pm              Candelo Market

Friday                  8 July                      8.00-2.00pm                SCPA Local Market, Bega

Sat & Sun            9 & 10 July             8.00-12.00pm              Twyford Hall Market

Sunday                10 July                    8.00-1.00pm                Pambula Rotary Market

8.00-1.00pm                Pambula Robin Hood Town Hall Market

8.00-1.00pm                Pambula Lodge Centre Market

Sat & Sun            16 & 17 July          8.00-12.00pm              Twyford Hall Market

Sunday                17 July                    8.00-12.30pm              Merimbula Seaside Market

Friday                  22 July                    8.00-2.00pm                SCPA Local Market, Bega

Saturday             23 July                    8.00-12.00pm              Nethercote Seasonal Produce Market

Sunday                24 July                    8.30-12.30pm              Wyndham Village Market

Fri & Sat              28 & 29 July          8.00-12.00pm              Twyford Hall Market

Saturday             30 July                    8.00-12.30pm              Cobargo Market

Sunday                31 July                     8.30-12.30pm              Bermagui Market

With the expertise of Jess’s lifetime on the waters of the far south coast of NSW, you can glide through the sheltered waters of the Bega River, Middle Lagoon or Wapengo Lake/Bithry Inlet. It’s the ideal introduction to kayaking if you’re a beginner – or if you want to simply indulge in tranquillity – learning all about the local environment as you go.

“Obviously we have our regular scheduled tours, but we can tweak them to suit the group, depending on the weather or their abilities or interests,” says Jess. “We can even organise a made-to-measure tour to suit a group who are travelling together, if we get proper notice. For example, some of our clients want to go out to sea for the chance of seeing dolphins, whales and albatross, while others might want to stay in the inland waters, looking for specific types of birdlife, or just wildlife in general. If we know what they are after, we can try to provide the best chance of them seeing it.”

Tour options include half-day, full day, the special sunset paddle, or for the very fit and committed, a three-day multi-sport tour that also includes surfing, fishing, snorkeling, dune hiking and kayaking. But Mimosa Blue adventures are not just about exploring the stunning waterways of the Sapphire Coast. Paddling tends to stimulate the appetite so fresh roasted coffee and homemade cakes are served on all tours, or a wine or beer to toast the end of the day if you head out on a sunset tour. Full catering is included in the three-day packages, incorporating locally grown produce with delicious gourmet options.

Tour prices are based on a minimum of two people and range from $45 per person for the sunset tour, $65 per person for 2.5 hours, up to $145 per person for a full day’s guided trip. Three-day multi-sport tours are priced according to inclusions.

Aside from knowing the area like the back of his hand because he grew up here, Jess has a degree in environmental science and worked for many years with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Parks before setting up Mimosa Blue. Combining passion and profession has allowed him to fulfil a long-held dream.

“This area is so pristine. There are national parks surrounding most of the waterways and that combined with a mild climate gives us some quite unique wildlife, much of which can be seen from the water. Paddling is just a great way to see this part of the world and you don’t have to be super-fit to do it. Our oldest client so far was 80 years old, and our youngest – for safety reasons – was 14, so we cater for all ages and abilities.”

For more detail contact Mimosa Blue or Sapphire Coast Tourism direct on www.sapphirecoast.com.au or by calling toll-free on 1800 150 457.

Potoroo Palace Animal Sanctuary near Merimbula is proud to show off their latest resident – a new baby koala. Baby koala will live with residents Susie and Blinky the Koala. Come and visit the new baby – she’s so cute!

Did you know that koalas only eat gum leaves? There are over 30 different species of eucalypt leaves that they will eat. At Potoroo Palace,  they give their koalas leaves and branches of at least 3 different eucalypt species fresh each day.

Koalas have adapted to this strange diet in various ways: they don’t move around much and save their energy by sleeping for 18 to 20 hours per day. They also chew the leaves very thoroughly (to a fine paste) and it then stays a very long time fermenting in their stomach. Luckily the koala only has a small brain – because thinking takes a lot of energy!

Eighty years after his death, one of the most famous whales in Australian history will be reincarnated in the waters of Eden’s Twofold Bay on the NSW Sapphire Coast.

Old Tom will be joined by some of Eden’s ‘whalemen’ and reappear to tell the unique story of how they worked together in yesteryear, as part of the Eden Whale Festival over the weekend of October 29-30.

Thanks to grants from Festivals Australia, the committee organising the Whale Festival will be able to close the event’s first day with an exciting laser light and sound show in the port of Snug Cove, highlighting the role the killer whales played in the town’s economy and history.

“The death of Old Tom in 1930 sparked the creation of our famous Eden Killer Whale Museum the following year,” says organising committee spokesperson, Jenny Robb.

“So this year’s Festival really marks an important anniversary in our history. The story of Old Tom and his killer whale pack very much belongs to Eden.

“As far as we are aware, there has been no similar pact between man and these marine mammals anywhere else in the world, and it’s a collaboration that pre-dates European settlement – the Aboriginals also tell stories of killer whales that helped them hunt and kill the bigger whales, so it is a fascinating story and one we hope to tell in a very special way this year,” Ms Robb says.

“We’re very excited about being able to have the laser show and we think it will be a fabulous finale for what we are planning to be a very interesting and entertaining weekend, highlighting all that whales mean to the town.”

The Festival coincides with high season on the humpback highway, the annual southward migration of the humpback whales, from the warm northern waters where they give birth, to their home in the Southern Ocean.

The waters off Eden are a popular playground for these wonderful animals. Now hunted by tourists armed with cameras rather than harpoons, they stop to feed here before heading out into Bass Strait, attracted by the whirlpool-like  mixing of the southern and northern currents which brings their food to the surface.

While killer whales are obviously the feature creatures (visitors should ensure they book a whale watching cruise in advance), the Festival will also include favourite activities such as the Street Parade, the model ship display, the capstan pull and Carnival rides, but there are also plans for seafood cooking demonstrations, a kayak event, a fun run, bike ride, dragon boat display, hot rod show and vintage car display – and a mobility scooter obstacle course!

The tall ship, the Young Endeavour, will sail into Twofold Bay on Saturday and moor in Snug Cove on the Sunday, so it’s also a chance for visitors to check out this beautiful vessel which is used for The Royal Australian Navy’s sail training program.

Eden is located on the Far South Coast of NSW, Australia.  It is approximately halfway between Sydney and Melbourne (six/seven hours’ drive) and about three hours’ drive from Canberra.

Daily flights are operated from Sydney and Melbourne to Merimbula by REX with land connections easily arranged. There is also a bus service from Sydney and Melbourne.

More details about the area, and accommodation bookings, is available on the Sapphire Coast Tourism website, www.sapphirecoast.com.au You can also email bookings@sapphirecoast.com.au or call toll-free on 1800 150 457